Chilnualna Falls in Yosemite National Park actually consists of five separate waterfalls along Chilnualna Creek, which are best viewed in late Spring or early Summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. (The advantage of going from mid-Summer is that while the cascades are less spectacular, you can swim in the pools along the creek.) The toal drop across the series of waterfalls is about 690 feet (210m). The Chilnualna Falls Trail (13.5km / 4-6 hours) ascends past all the waterfalls.
Chilnualna Falls (pronounced chill-na-wall-na) is said to have been named by the Piute Indians, meaning “leaping waters” (but other sources suggest that Chilnualna means “many rocks”, as the falls are in a very rocky canyon”).
Lower Chilnualna Falls
This is a nice cascade even when the waterfall is low, and a popular destination for many people who don’t go any further. This first tier drops about 90–120 feet (27–36m), and is only a 0.5 mile (0.8km) hike.
In spring, navigating the trail at the base of the waterfall is a mini Mist Trail experience with spray from the waterfalls filling the air and soaking the trail. Later in the season, it’s more like an elaborate garden fountain with streams of water tumbling over terraced granite ledges. It’s worth a visit even if you don’t want to go further.
The Redwoods in Yosemite
Second tier
The second cascade has a 30-foot (9m) drop, but is not really obvious unless there creek has a fairly high flow (image below from World of Waterfalls).
Main Chilnualna Falls
The main waterfall is also hard to see; when the river is in full flow, you can see (and hear) the falls through the trees as you approach the last section of the trail. When the creek levels are low, you can’t really see the falls, but you’ll get a great view from the top of the waterfall over the Wawona Valley. The drop is 300 feet (91m) high.
Fourth waterfall
The fourth waterfall is seen from the track as it continues up beyond the main falls; by late summer you can also follow the creek up from the top of the main falls to the base of this 60 feet (18m) high cascade.
Upper Chilnualna Falls
The final waterfall has a 180–210 foot (54–64m) drop, and can be seen from the walking trail; you can also reach the pool at the base of the falls.
Getting to Chilnualna Falls
The start of the trail to Chilnualna Falls Trailhead is located about two miles (2.3km) up Chilnualna Falls Road, which is off of Wawona Road. The trail starts from the parking area on the opposite side of the road.
More information
- World of Waterfalls – Chilnualna Falls
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